A Philippine friend of our’s Grandfather and Uncle were beheaded by Japanese Army troops as a group of Filipinos were lined up for execution. Further family in line were spared from death when the soldiers broke for lunch and did not return.
I also have a friend who never met his father. His Dad, a POW, was beheaded by the Japanese on the day their country surrendered. He was executed for his actions at the POW camp.
My father-in law was counter-Intell for Philippine guerrillas. Was translator for Japanese during interrogations and witnessed first hand their brutality. Was able to save a few of his countrymen by changing their stories. Eventually, he cased the garrison in NL, and led the attack to over throw it. He suffered years of PTSD from what he saw but eventually forgave them.
Japan’s war crimes, in terms of severity, not numbers, were worse than anything any other axis power did.